Pandemic! The Delirious Variant

"Pandemic! The Delirious Variant" is a collection of stories, thoughts and poems that are about divinity, love, family, parenthood, loss, and longing.

"Pandemic! The Delirious Variant" is a collection of stories, thoughts and poems written during lockdown and beyond. Some pieces have music titles attached next to them. These were the music pieces Kurdi was listening to while writing that exact title. Enjoy this immersive and infectious experience. "I dedicate this book to my father Yasin Kurdi who left this world in 2018. I dedicate this book to my family and friends. Your support means the world. I want to thank the gift of music for offering an inspiration and an escape to me."

Omar Kurdi is Jordanian American and is from Cleveland, Ohio. He is the CEO of Friends for Life Rehabilitation Services, an agency that provides services to adults with developmental disabilities. He holds a master's degree in Public Administration and a bachelor's degree in International Relations. Outside of work, he is a writer and a performing artist. He is a founding member of Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi, a theatre company within Cleveland Public Theatre that aims to connect with the Arabic-speaking communities in Cleveland. With Masrah, Omar has performed in sold out shows in Cleveland, Ohio and Dearborn, Michigan. He was also selected during the pandemic to be part of a diverse cast for a show that was performed live for The Kennedy Center via Zoom. Omar believes that the arts are the best form of expression, and the best resort away from violence. In August 2020, he was selected as a Notable Immigrant Leader by Crain's Cleveland Business Magazine for his work in Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi. In October 2020, he was selected as one of 40 Under 40 Arab Americans by the Arab American Foundation for his work in Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi. In November 2021, Omar was selected as one of 40 Under 40 Business Leaders by Crain's Cleveland Business Magazine for his leadership and work with adults with disabilities. He was the only Arab American on the list. Music and theatre played a major role in his upbringing, as he says, "the stage saved me."